summons

[suhm-uhnz]

noun

plural

summonses 

1. an authoritative command, message, or signal by which one is summoned.

2. a request, demand, or call to do something.

   a summons to surrender.

3. Law.

   1. a call or citation by authority to appear before a court or a judicial officer.

   2. the writ by which the call is made.

4. an authoritative call or notice to appear at a specified place, as for a particular purpose or duty.

5. a call issued for the meeting of an assembly or parliament.

verb (used with object)

1. to serve with a summons; summon.

summons

/ ˈsʌmənz /

noun

1. a call, signal, or order to do something, esp to appear in person or attend at a specified place or time

2. 1. an official order requiring a person to attend court, either to answer a charge or to give evidence

   2. the writ making such an order Compare warrant

3. a call or command given to the members of an assembly to convene a meeting

verb

1. to take out a summons against (a person)

Other Word Forms

• nonsummons noun
• resummons noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of summons¹

1250–1300; Middle English somons < Anglo-French; Old French somonse < Vulgar Latin *summonsa, for Latin summonita, feminine past participle of summonēre; summon

Word History and Origins

Origin of summons¹

C13: from Old French somonse, from somondre to _summon

Example Sentences

Invite some folks over, have them bring refreshments and bills, school forms, jury-duty summonses—whatever looms.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After that, the late-night summons — sometimes at midnight or 2 a.m. — increased, E said in his complaint.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There was a time Roberts struggled with pitching changes, but he has seen matured and evolved and often now shares a heartbeat with the countless relievers he summons.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Oliver summons his son by joyfully remembering his virtuosity on air guitar.

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The Brysons said they were then shocked and horrified to receive a court summons.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• indictment 
• subpoena 
• warrant 
• writ